Sports Minister MS Gill on Friday congratulated pugilist Akhil Kumar who upstaged world champion Sergey Vodopyanov in a prequarterfinal bout in the bantamweight category at the Beijing Olympics.

Gill spoke to IOA President Suresh Kalmadi, who is in Beijing, and asked him to convey his greetings and good wishes to Akhil and the two other Indian boxers Jitender Kumar and Vijender who are to play their matches in the coming days.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also congratulated Akhil, who hails from Bhiwani in the state, on his victory saying he "has brightened India's hopes for another medal in the Olympics".

Akhil pulled off a major upset stunning Vodopyanov of Russia in an closely-fought pre-quarterfinal thriller in the 54 kg bout.